Prayers After Holy Communion
Having received the Holy Mysteries of Christ, we offer prayers of thanksgiving. The soul, now bearing the Lord within, pours forth gratitude for this ineffable gift.
Thanksgiving Prayer of St. Basil the Great
I thank Thee, O Lord my God, that Thou hast not rejected me, a sinner, but hast made me worthy to be a communicant of Thy Holy Mysteries. I thank Thee that Thou hast permitted me, who am unworthy, to partake of Thy most pure and heavenly Gifts.
O Master and Lover of mankind, Who didst die for us and rise again, and hast bestowed upon us these awesome and life-giving Mysteries for the well-being and sanctification of our souls and bodies: Let them be for me unto the healing of soul and body, the driving away of every adversary, the enlightenment of my spiritual eyes, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, love unfeigned, the filling of wisdom, the keeping of Thy commandments, the increase of Thy divine grace, and the inheritance of Thy Kingdom. Amen.
The Song of Simeon
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Prayer of St. John Chrysostom (After Communion)
O Lord, Who willingly grantest me Thy Flesh for food: Thou art the fire that consumes the unworthy. Consume me not, O my Creator, but rather enter into my members, my veins, my heart. Consume the thorns of my transgressions. Cleanse my soul, sanctify my thoughts, make firm my knees and my bones. Enlighten my five senses. Establish me wholly in Thy fear. Ever shelter and guard and keep me from every soul-corrupting word and deed. Cleanse me, purify me, and set me aright, and adorn me, and bring me to understanding, and enlighten me. Show me to be the dwelling place of Thy Spirit alone, and no longer the dwelling place of sin. Amen.